Sometimes I get so caught up in the beauty of the west side of Okinawa that I completely forget about all the other beautiful areas.

A couple of weeks ago we took a trip down to the south side. Once you work your way through the traffic and concrete that is Naha the south side has plenty to offer.

This time we have 2 sites in mind. Both offer opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. If your significant other  is a diver or snorkeler and you just love to worship the sun, this might be for you.

Let's talk about Southern Link first;

This site seems to be perfect when the West Side of the island is too rough to enter the water. As always, use good judgement. I heard you can spot rays and turtles at this site.

I expected big things. When we finally arrived I walked into a scene out of "Life after People". The beach house/concessions is abandoned and stands empty. Stairs and patios are overgrowing with vegetation.

Not a big deal, just give the water all your attention. Be sure to know that there are no accomodations and you are on your own. So, pack a lunch and use the toilet at the Family Mart before you get there. The beach is not really pretty but it does have some nice scenery.

 As you can see the water was very rough and we were unable to enter the water:(

Directions:

Take the Okinawa Expressway south towards Naha. Go towards the airport and pay your toll. Take the second exit after the toll both. Find 507 and take a left. Now it will get confusing; you will hit another 507. Make sure you take another left here. If you take a right it will get you back towards Naha and you want to stay towards the east side of the island.

Eventually you will hit 329. Make a right there. Look for a sign that says "Southern Links". It is big and it is white. If you hit the Peace Prayer Park you have gone too far. Once you see the sign make a left and follow the road to a very, very, nice hotel. In front of the hotel follow the road to the left and then down by the golf course. It will get you to the parking area.

Next is Channel Cravices:

If you had enough or just want to check out another site this one is close.

It is a little bit more child/family friendly as it has a restroom and picnic tables/benches.

As with the first site, if you can not snorkel/dive on the west side of the island, due to northerly winds, this site should be perfect.

Not as much of "Life after people" as at Southern Links, but still not maintained very well. The beach is washed away from storms, but still pretty expansive.

 As you can see it was still pretty stormy, but you can also see the reef in the last picture.

Directions:

From southern Links head towards the Peace Prayer Park. Pass it and continue towards Naha. Look for a left turn that says "Odo Coast". Be patient, just when you think you missed it it will show up. Turn left, pass by the green houses. Go all the way down and take the road to the left. You will come up on the sign above.

All in all both sites are worth a visit. Even just to take a drive and find out what is going on "down south". 

Between the two sites is "Suicide Cliffs". I have not had a chance to check out this site. Anybody has been there and would like to post about it?